Chamber members to learn about Alabama Small Business Development Center at May luncheon

Business leaders in the Trussville area will have an opportunity to learn more about programs they can use to grow when they attend this month’s Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon May 18. The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Trussville Civic Center and is sponsored by Wilbur’s Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing and Generators.

Yolanda Devine Johnson, a business consultant for the Alabama Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, will be making her first trip to the Trussville chamber luncheon. 

“I am delighted that they have invited me to tell them about the services that are offered to the businesses in the Trussville area,” Johnson said. 

The Alabama SBDC Network aims to enhance economic growth in Alabama to provide assistance and free counseling to small businesses, as well as build partnerships among community organizations and local, state and federal agencies. 

Johnson, a resident of Orange Beach, plans to highlight the services Alabama SBDC has provided in the state during its 36 years, while sharing anecdotal examples. Some of the programs include one-on-one business counseling for startups, growth strategies, international trade, government securement and capital access. A more extensive list of services will be provided to those in attendance. 

“The whole idea is to grow Alabama’s economy one business at a time, and small businesses and entrepreneurs usually do not have a source to bounce ideas off of and assistance, as far as technical assistance, of any kind and access to secondary research for whatever their market is,” Johnson said. “It’s very industry specific and individual specific information that is provided to them.”

The May luncheon begins with a 30-minute network development time when members and guests can network and exchange business cards with the estimated 80 to 100 expected to attend. Prior to lunch, the chamber will honor its monthly Customer Service Award winners. Door prizes will also be given away.  

Go to trussvillechamber.com to register or contact June Mathews at 665-7535 or june.mathews@trussvillechamber.com. 

Cost is $17 (cash or check) or $17.34 if paying by credit or debit card (2 percent processing fee). Online registration is closed at midnight on May 15, but the chamber office will accept registration by phone until noon May 16. All nonmembers must pay in advance. 

The Trussville Civic Center is located at 5381 Trussville-Clay Road.